Contest Tips?

[Buttertoes]

I turned 50 this year and let myself be talked into registering for the old lady division of a local longboard competition. This is hilarious because I can’t do much more than ride down a line. I don’t expect to place but wondered if anyone had any tips for me.

There’s a video on YouTube of “easy surf tricks for kids” that I studied. I can sometimes get a cross step in. Im gonna go, cheer for my competitors and try to ride a wave but I’m open to advice and suggestions if anyone could help me avoid embarrassment lol

Cheers!

[jaffa1949]

Hey , hi Buttertoes, good to hear you are still surfing , all encouragement for you to go and have fun! Hope they video the competition and we can see you going for it!
You could well surprise yourself! BTW you won‘t get embarrassed a heat or two with your peers!

[Buttertoes]

Hi Jaffa! I guess I’m a lifer now

We have a great community here that is encouraging and supportive so I figured at the very least I can check off “been in a surf comp” on my life’s resume haha. I hope things are warm, sunny and uncrowded in your world!

Just scored 2 hours of offshore glory (1h alone and 1h with 2 others…) still rubbing my eyes haha

[jaffa1949]

Hi Buttertoes , had a few lifechanges after a serious health event about 4 years ago, fully recovered but matching in hemisphere and seasonal climate now. I‘m living in the alpine Area of Upper Austria and river surfing, experiencing genuine fall, ( that didn‘t happen much in Australia)
Eucalyptus trees don‘t drop there leaves! My wife and I are both happy and well and before covid I got to,surf on this side of your ocean.
Lots of adventures await when the pandemic lifts and some of them will be surf!
Enjoy the competition do it as bucket list fun!
Let us know how you ! Pictures too !
Big cheers Jaffa

[waikikikichan]

There’s a video on YouTube of “easy surf tricks for kids” that I studied. I can sometimes get a cross step in. Im gonna go, cheer for my competitors and try to ride a wave but I’m open to advice and suggestions if anyone could help me avoid embarrassment

1) As the Genie in Alladin said, " Be yourself ". Surf the way you normally surf. If you "try" to do something you are not used to, then it will be/look awkward. Surf Naturally. ( and ride it all the way to the beach )

2) You might be embarrassed or you might even win the heat. Anyone can beat anyone else at a contest on a given day. Focus on getting the best wave. Just do YOUR best. Nothing wrong losing to someone better. Don't lose to yourself.

3) It's nice to be friendly with everyone on the beach, but once the starting horn blows ................ " NO FRIENDS ".

[Buttertoes]

Jaffa- I am glad to hear you came through it healthy and if you’re going to be a distance from the ocean at least you get to river surf! I will try and share some pictures if there’s anything worth posting

Waikikikichan- thanks, that is all good advice and I’ll keep it in mind!

[Buttertoes]

Well they held the contest today. The wind was strong and the waves were a lot of close outs in my heat. I barely got to my feet, but I went, I had fun and will do it again next year

4-7’, 10 sec, 26-34mph offshore

A pic by my hubby from the contest today, followed by one from last week as evidence that I can actually catch a wave lol…
(Actually it looks like the pics are reversed with the contest one last)

Thanks for your advice ❤️

[jaffa1949]

Hey bottom turn good speed the other wave definitely a close out!

Howling offshore makes it challenging to get down the face so well done be proud orthotics bottom turn shot!